More often than not, it is not enough for you that your visitors just come and go. You want them to do something at your site. Unfortunately usually webmasters pay too little attention to their calls-to-action focusing on design, content and SEO. It is sad to see truly good resources that are doing great in […]
Branding and Personal Branding Tips from Ann Smarty
Establishing your brand is the hardest, most time consuming part about starting a website or business. Every decision seems to be important, from what colors you choose in your header, to the logo that will go on email newsletters. Even when you take things step by step, it feels like an overwhelming process that is constantly evolving, and requires you to adapt and carry on.
Whatever some “experts” claim, there is no magic formula for branding success. Consistent work with a clear strategy in mind is the only way forward. Your branding plan has to be solid, simple, and poised to compete against other brands vying for the limelight.
You have plenty of tools at your disposal. Social media marketing. Content strategies. Logos and headers. Website design and integrated apps. API and compatible services. Affiliate marketing programs and brand connections. Guest posting and interviews. Influencer networking and real life elbow rubbing opportunities. Business cards and traditional advertising. Online ads and monetization programs. Visual content plans and strategic sharing. Feeling dizzy yet?
It is perfectly understandable why so many people throw in the towel and hire a company or consultant to handle the branding for them. But that isn’t always an option, given the high price tag on those services. Besides, doing your own branding is both rewarding and a crucial skill for future ventures that you would be better off learning now.
Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. This section is full of advice, tips, tricks, and information on branding, whether you are doing it for a blog, or a new business. You can find everything you need to build an informed strategy.
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Does Your Blog Have a Flavor?
The blog flavor (the term is invented by me, I guess) is what makes it unique. Have you ever tried to look at your blog “from outside” to see it the way your visitor does? Would you subscribe to this blog? Why would you (or why wouldn’t you)? Ok, I’d started reading blogs long before […]
4 Things To Check Before You Register A Domain Name
If you are serious about your new website, you understand that your domain name is going to be your brand name, so think twice before you register one. A while ago I wrote a post on this topic giving some practical tips how to create or brand your domain name. And now a follow up […]
The Art of Flattering – Social Media Marketing How To
Let’s face it, we do flatter daily in real life either sincerely or on purpose. There is no secret that flattering is also a widely used social media marketing tool. With it you can get more social friends, their support and help, and establish yourself as a social network power user. Didn’t you once [or […]
Color Branding: Colorize Your Brand – How Color Builds Your Brand
Most bloggers [me being one of them] don’t have a clue what their website color scheme might be associated with. For me it has been enough that I “like” the overall site look. But as an online entrepreneur and consultant I felt that I needed to know at least the theoretical part [maybe I will […]
15.4 Tips to Brand Your Domain Name
Suppose you are planning a website. You already know what it will be about and now what? Yeah, you need to name it. And that’s where you first get into trouble. You might want your site name to contain your main keyword and most obviously you find that all the hot catchy names are already […]
The Strategy of Blog Commenting – Case Study
Along with blogging itself, commenting is a powerful tool of networking and branding. A popular blog represents the huge niche community you might want to be a part of. The reasons behind blog commenting are: 1/ leaving comments on other people’s popular blogs is a good method to network; 2/ regular commenting is a smart […]
